SPM for AutoCAD > Features > Import data > Data import

Data import in AutoCAD

Import attribute data as XDATA for smarter AutoCAD drawings

Enhance your AutoCAD drawings by importing feature data as XDATA (Extended Entity Data). This allows you to attach meaningful attribute information to each object, enabling more intelligent, searchable, and data-rich designs—perfect for advanced workflows and integrations.

Editions: Standard Professional
What's included in the feature Data import

Discover the full potential of this set of tools designed to enhance GIS data integration and editing within AutoCAD.

Import data from tables as XDATA (EED)

Import Features data as XDATA (EED) to get more "intelligent" AutoCAD drawings.

Import data from tables as XDATA (EED)<span style='font-size: 1rem;'></span>
Play video
Related features
Geometry options<span style='font-size: 1rem;'> - <a href='../geometry-options/' class='app_color_link'>More info ></a></span>

Geometry options

Import as points or block references, fill polygons, or create centroids

Import options<span style='font-size: 1rem;'> - <a href='../import-options/' class='app_color_link'>More info ></a></span>

Import options

Assign layers, label features, filter spatially, and control elevation

Import tasks<span style='font-size: 1rem;'> - <a href='../import-tasks/' class='app_color_link'>More info ></a></span>

Import tasks

Save Tasks in AutoCAD to replay import processes (including all process parameters) so many times as desired

* Only available in Professional edition

Advanced import tools<span style='font-size: 1rem;'> - <a href='../advanced-import-tools/' class='app_color_link'>More info ></a></span>

Advanced import tools

Import data easily using wizards, palettes, or batch tools

Import files, databases and online services<span style='font-size: 1rem;'> - <a href='../import-files-databases-and-online-services/' class='app_color_link'>More info ></a></span>

Import files, databases and online services

Connect to a wide variety of spatial data sources

Related Posts
Import OGC API Features and WFS data to DWG/DXF

OGC API Features is a modern, RESTful standard developed by the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) for accessing and managing geospatial feature data over the web. It is the evolution of... more

Start a drafting project over Google Earth imagery base

This article explains how to start a drafting or design project using a Google Earth imagery base. It provides step-by-step instructions on how to overlay drawings, plans, or architectural projects... more

Esri Geodatabase File to DWG/DXF

An ESRI Geodatabase File (FileGDB), is a powerful database system designed to store, query, and manage spatial data as a collection of files stored directly on disk without the requirement... more

Import Google Earth historical imagery to DWG

Download historical imagery directly from Google Earth to your DWG using your preferred CAD platform for enhanced accuracy and analysis. Get aerial photographs from different dates and compare the evolution... more

frequently asked questions
Current compatible AutoCAD applications:
  • AutoCAD, AutoCAD Map 3D, AutoCAD Civil 3D and AutoCAD Architecture (Windows Only)
  • Versions: From v.2013 to v.2026 both included. Review the version compatibility page for more details.
Note: AutoCAD LT is not a compatible application because of its intrinsic limitations but you can use Spatial Manager Desktop™ to import/export via DXF files
System requirements:
  • Windows 7 or higher, within the operating system versions supported by the AutoCAD version used
  • 500 MB free disk space, or more
  • Windows Installer 3.1 or later
Spatial files
  • Esri Shape file - (SHP)
  • Google Earth file - (KML, KMZ)
  • OpenStreetMap file - (OSM, PBF, OSC) (1)
  • LiDAR file - (LAS, LAZ)
  • GPS exchange format file - (GPX)
  • Esri ASCII Grid file - (ASC, ASCII) (1)
  • ASCII text file - (ASC, CSV, NEZ, TXT, XYZ, UPT)
  • SQLite file - (SQLITE, DB)
  • GeoPackage file - (GPKG)
  • GML file - (GML, GZ, XML)
  • Raster image file - (TIF, PNG, JPG, JPEG, TIFF) (1)
  • Autodesk SDF file - (SDF) (3)
  • MicroStation v.7 file - (DGN) (2)
  • AutoCAD DXF file - (DXF) (2)
  • Esri ArcInfo export file (ASCII) - (E00) (1) (2)
  • MapInfo file - (TAB) (2)
  • MapInfo interchange format file - (MIF/MID) (2)
  • GeoJSON file - (GEO.JSON)

Spatial raster files
  • Raster image file - (TIF, PNG, JPG, JPEG, TIFF) (1)
    • Georeference sources - (World files, Google Earth .GEPRINT, etc.)
  • Variable resolution Raster image file - (Cloud Optimized GeoTIFF/COG TIFF) (1) (4)

Spatial data servers and Geo-databases
  • Esri Geodatabase File - (GDB) (1)
  • PostGIS database
  • Microsoft SQL Server Spatial database
  • MySQL database (1) (3)

Image map servers
  • WMS/OGC API Maps Web Map Services (4)
  • WMTS/OGC API Tiles Web Map Tile Services (4)
  • XYZ/TMS Tile Map Services (4)

Other spatial data sources
  • Open Database Connectivity ODBC (1)
  • WFS/OGC API Features data store (1)
  • WFS data store (FDO) (1) (3) (6)
  • WFS data store (OGR) (1) (2) (5) (6)

(1) Read-only
(2) OGR data source
(3) FDO provider
(4) Background Maps technology
(5) OGR for WFS data stores will not be found in the data Provider list under some circumstances (certain AutoCAD Map versions and others). Please, use the native or FDO variants for this data Provider
(6) DEPRECATED - Whenever possible use the native WFS/OGC API Features data provider

Note: certain data Providers are only valid for some Editions of the application